Report: Steelers Have Done A Lot Of Research On Michigan T Taylor Lewan

Would the Pittsburgh Steelers really draft a tackle in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft? If so, would they really consider drafting Michigan left tackle Taylor Lewan?

According to Jeremy Fowler, a national college football reporter for CBS Sports, the Steelers have done a lot of research on Lewan and that includes several team representatives going in and out of Ann Arbor, MI. Head coach Mike Tomlin was named by Fowler as being one of those representatives.

Hearing the #Steelers have done a lot of research on OT Taylor Lewan, with several team folks (Tomlin included) in and out of Ann Arbor.

Lewan was recently charged with one count of aggravated assault and two counts of assault or assault and battery stemming from an incident on Dec. 1, 2013 and is currently scheduled to be arraigned on April 8 in the 15th District Court in Ann Arbor. If he is found guilty, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports he could face up to 93 days in jail or a fine of up to $500.

It is unknown how much Lewan’s stock has dropped since the charges were filed, but the left tackle has denied that he assaulted anyone.

“I wasn’t in any fight of any kind,” he said. “I was actually breaking something up and some guy said that I slugged him. But that’s not who I am off the field, that’s not the kind of person I am. I might seem that way because of the way I play football, but that’s not who I am as a person.”

Lewan was named the Big Ten’s offensive lineman of the year the past two seasons after starting 48 games at left tackle. As previously reported, Gil Brandt of NFL.com said that both Tomlin and new Steelers offensive line coach Mike Munchak were present at the recent Michigan Pro Day, so that’s worth noting once again. However, in addition to watching Lewan, both could have been there to observe Michigan’s other tackle, Michael Schofield, go through his workout as well.

Dating back to 2010, the Steelers have spent two first and two second round draft picks on offensive linemen. Starting right tackle Marcus Gilbert is heading into the final year of his rookie contract, however, and while he has improved since he was drafted, he is still very inconsistent.

In addition to Gilbert, reserve tackle Mike Adams floundered in 2013 when given the chance to start the season at left tackle and was eventually benched in favor of Kelvin Beachum, who was drafted by the Steelers in the seventh-round of the 2012 NFL Draft. As the team sits here in March, Beachum would figure to open up training camp as the starting left tackle thanks to his play in the second half of the 2013 season.

Even if Lewan’s stock were to drop, it would surprising to see him fall out of the first round entirely. If the Steelers stay put at the 15th overall spot, that’s when they would have to draft him if they are as interested in him as Fowler’s report suggest.

It’s good to hear Tomlin and Colbert doing there due diligence in the event Lewan falls. Lewan could be a franchise left tackle and if he is there at 1.15 you have to select him.

Jason

I don’t want this guy, even at #15. Much bigger needs than OL right now even though we supposedly always take the best player available. If Evans, Dennard Gilbert or even Ebron are there I’d grab them over this guy in a heartbeat.

dgh57

This is probably Munchak’s guy and while I’m not totally against drafting a OT #1 and understand Adams and Gilbert aren’t getting it done and need to be replaced they need to put the same effort into other areas such as (at this time)a CB as the need is greater there.

Steelers12328882

I wouldn’t mind taking a Tackle at 15 no matter how many we’ve already drafted. Protecting our best player is the #1 priority for this team, and the O line hasn’t done the best job of that.

Paddy

Lets face it they have very little at the position right now. Munchak probably wants this guy after watching tape on Adams Gilbert and the rest.

Paddy

This team for as long as I remember never had a tackle of this pedigree. In watching SB 43 over the weekend showed me that we won in spite of our line.

dkoy85

Makes you wonder how important LT is to Tomlin and Munchak. They’ve obviously invested a lot into the offense. You’d have to think they’d give Munchak a year with our O-line cast before we go line in the first round, but you never know.

I really wish they could trade back- pick up a 2nd or 3rd and draft any of the following in the first- Benjamin, Lee, Lewan, Hageman, Dennard, Fuller- whoever is there. Then they’d have ammo to move up in the 2nd or 3rd to draft somebody they are high on at a position of need- or stay put and stack the picks.

Derick L Young

they have not put a 1st rounder in CB since Chad Scott in 97′ or so and have done well. Why start now. My 2 cents.

Derick L Young

Lewan is probably gone before pick 15. Trading back is a viable option. Why Hageman?

Derick L Young

Now a days though they are thinking of protecting their “aging” QB and new franchise RB. Just my thought.

Derick L Young

If Lewan fell to the Steelers, I can not argue at all. Steelers prove they can draft mid round talent with CB and WR. Seeing how this draft is stacked at those positions. They will probably do it again if a talent like Lewan falls. See DeCastro. I jumped for complete joy seeing him fall to us.

dkoy85

I like Hageman for a lot of reasons. He has a lot of upside and in the right locker room I think his potential will show through. I’d rather have every other player I mentioned before him but if he was the only one left, which is unlikely, I’d be happy with him.

Axe Skot

I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s the pick if he falls. BTA. Why re-sign Gilbert when he has shown that he is basically a back-up caliber tackle? Not saying that would be my preference depending upon who else would be there, but it wouldn’t surprise me, especially with all of the free agent signings on defense.

SteelerFanInMD

I agree. The Steelers are always looking for a high draft projection to fall to them. DeCastro, Adams and J. Jones are examples. The Steelers like to draft linemen too. I’m sure that if Lewan was available to the Steelers, they will take him.

dgh57

If ever there was a year to draft a CB in the 1st rd. this is the year as there may be one sitting there at #15. There is a big hole at CB and nothing really to get excited about at the CB position on the current roster.

srdan

While it would be an attractive option, I just don’t see the need to create a logjam of young tackles. That would make it four.

Callentown

This wouldn’t surprise me one bit. With Munchak in the fold, the rest of the FO has to listen to what we really have at the tackle position, and that’s not much!

Gilbert and Adams are misses for draft picks. Sorry, but it’s true.

Love Beachum, but that’s all we have and he will struggle against the stud DE’s because of size.

Derick L Young

I think he will be there for the 15th pick but I don’t see him fitting into the defense and I could be wrong.

Derick L Young

I like Cortez Allen but they do have a big hole at CB.

Alexander Sebastian Heath

He’s probably a trade back option. Not at 1.15, I like him a lot if we trade back- which I can see us doing and at 1.15 I like our chance with many guys being bad fit for us.

dkoy85

That was a trade back scenario- not for 1.15

Derick L Young

Lewan is rising up boards so the consensus is if he falls to the 15 pick.

Derick L Young

If they can trade back AND get Dennard! Wow that is a big win win in my book.

243546

So, let me get this straight. Lewan was charged in March 2014, for a fight that took place in October 2013? Seems like BS to me.

dkoy85

Agreed. I’d get evicted for violating my apartments noise policy if that were the case.

243546

OT is kind of in the same boat as CB, and some of the other positions. 2014 is the final year on Marcus Gilbert’s contract, and 2015 is the final year on Mike Adams deal. That potentially leaves the Steelers with Beachum, and?

243546

If there was ever a year not to draft a CB in the 1st round, it’s this year. The draft is incredibly deep at the position, and the drop off in talent from round 1 to round 2 is almost non existent.

243546

Ben was also a lot younger back then. He can’t take hit’s like he used to.

Lewan would be an upgrade in pass protection, but the real pay off would be in the run game. His strengths as a run blocker align with everything the Steelers are looking to do in the run game.

243546

Originally, I was against drafting an OT, but I’m starting to lean in that direction. Drafting a guy like Lewan would have a ripple effect down the entire O line. Lewan would upgrade the LT position, but it would also free up Beachum to compete for the starting LG job. Just from watching what Beachum was able to accomplish at LT, I think he would excel at LG. I’m not sure if Beachum can develop into a better run blocker than Foster, but having two LT’s playing on one side of the line would provide a big boost in pass protection. That leaves Foster as the primary back up at guard, which is an upgrade over the current group of backups.

StrengthOfVictory

An interesting “what if,” but this team has bigger needs than a first-round OT. We were seeing a lot of good things out of the line, especially in the second half of the season. I wouldn’t mind finding depth in this draft for the O-line, but there are areas of greater need for the top pick.

dgh57

Still say if there ever was a year to draft a CB in the 1st rd. this is the year. When you have a gaping hole at a position you try to fill it with the best player possible. There is a lot of picks between our 1st and 2nd pick and there can be a run on CBs as well.

243546

Then you must think that the Steelers need to draft a D lineman with the first pick, because that’s where the biggest need is.

There isn’t a gaping hole at CB. The team has their two starters, and NB from last year. What they need is someone who can step in, and perform at a high level in 2015. How is that any different than the situation at OT?

Douglas Andrews

Give the Steelers a lot credit for doing there homework. This supports the idea that they will as they have done in the past draft the best player available and not reach for need picks. While there are many holes on Defensive side wouldn’t mind getting a guy that makes this team better. If we were to land this guy in the first not only we would be pretty deep on the O Line we could concentrate on the other needs CB LB DE. I like the approach

Reg Sayhitodabadguy Hunt

Thats probabaly right they may throw munch a bone

dgh57

We differ there also because I see a DE as a top 3 pick and apparently I’m higher on Arnfelt and N. Williams than you are.

Since 2008 there is but one CB drafted still on the roster and that’s C. Allen. The rest are old or getting older and slow also. Need to draft a CB so he can at least prepare himself for 2015 before Taylor will be gone.

Reg Sayhitodabadguy Hunt

Imo they are gonna do what steelers always do draft BPA i dont think lewan will last to15 but he just might slip because this is a deep draft BUT certain positions after the first round there may be a big drop off in talent

243546

Arnfelt and Williams combined for 4 defensive snaps last year. What did you see in those 4 snaps that inspired confidence about their ability to perform in 2015? Heyward didn’t crack the line up until his third season, and he was a first round pick who played in rotation as a rookie.

The Steelers have 3 CB’s who all have starting experience. Cam Thomas has more starting experience than any other D lineman on the Steelers roster. Thomas has 16 career starts. Gay has more starts than Thomas, McLendon, and Heyward combined.

I agree that the Steelers should have someone ready for next season, but there’s 6 other rounds in the draft.

bonairsfavoriteson

If the Steelers were to draft Lewan, he would be the best ot on the team, there are probably 7-8 cb in this draft better than any we now have, we could probably trade up in the second round to get one too.

bonairsfavoriteson

Hageman is a de in our scheme.

ATL96STEELER

Improved as the season went along, but I will agree PIT has mostly been “getting by” @ the LT spot. If they see him as a plug n play guy, I don’t have a problem with it either as I’m more skeptical than others on the DEF players within the reach of 15.

fwiw…I don’t think Beachum would beat out Foster, but this injury history indicates that Beech would eventually see time there.

dgh57

It’s not what I saw in the regular season but the preseason. When they brought up Arnfelt towards the end of the season and they didn’t send him back down when all other DEs were healthy meant to me they are also high on Arnfelt. Plus they recently resigned him for 2014 to get another look at him.

Other than C. Allen they’re getting older and slower and we could use some youth there.

Ike Evans

Oh god….we’re not going to make this mistake again are we
Big 10 left tackle
Super tall
“Off the field issues”
Nasty in the run game
Has trouble bending at the waste because of his height
Has trouble against speed rushers

Sounds like anybody we know?

Nick Sabatella

This guy is nothing like Mike Adams if that’s what you are insinuating…… I didn’t see Adams run a 4.8 40 time.
And Lewan can actually pass protect.

Nick Sabatella

THIS IS WHAT I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR

Been saying the whole time….. we need to spend a high enough draft pick to obtain TOP tackle talent….. not the 4th 5th 6th or 7th selected. Let’s just get it over with already and get someone with legitimate skills and athletic ability. I think Lewan would be a PERFECT fit with the steelers. He has the frame [which unfortunately beach doesn’t], he can pass block and move his feet with agility, and he is fast and athletic which will work great with the outside zone running scheme. This just makes too much sense not to take him. Crossing my fingers he is available at 15.

Everyone keeps talking about our “depth with the OL”…. is our O-line actually deep? Or is it just that Pittsburgh’s O-lineman seem to be made of glass and cannot stay on the field, thereby thrusting backups onto the field?
Just because our backups have started, does not mean they are even close to starter talent.

Nick Sabatella

Just wait til one o-lineman goes down…. then it’s going to be a shitshow again like the first four games of the year

Nick Sabatella

Beach will definitely find time somewhere…. and he has an outside shot to start as he is an athletic body who can help run the zone scheme

ATL96STEELER

He will…like Beech a lot…but what he’s not is a pure LT… I think he matches up well in the DIV vs the right side rusher…I get the idea if LT is the way they go early…but only if he’s a true anchor. I wouldn’t be anxious to take a LT @ 15..

Will Hammer

After watching the current Adams and Gilbert, Munchack hit the ceiling screaming- get me a tackle!!!! ..

Ike Evans

They have the same perceived strengths, the same perceived weaknesses are about the same height and played in the same conference….oh wait, lewan ran faster….that means there not similar at all….right

Nick Sabatella

You’ve clearly watched tape on Lewan yourself apparently…… You’ve clearly seen his build…. lewan didn’t run faster, he ran much faster. If you can’t see that he is a far superior athlete than the lumbering Mike Adams….then I won’t waste my time with this discussion.
“This guy plays football and that guy plays football…..this analyst says they have similar weakness and strengths….they’re about the same height….o no, another Mike Adams”

If that’s your conclusion after watching tape of both their college careers…. well, you’re entitled to your opinion.

ATL96STEELER

My concern with Lewan…by my account only 2 LTs (Kalil, and Joe Thomas) taken in the top 10 in the last near decade or so were true plug n play, anchor LTs. The rest of these guys are spending time @ RT then moving over, riding the bench for a year, starting at LT and getting killed.

He might be a solid prospect, but I don’t want Ben behind a rookie LT next year unless he’s one of those plug n play guys, and I’m not sure that guy is in this draft.

Nick Sabatella

I see where there would be hesitation…I just think it’s high time we get that kind of talent at the LT position, whether he starts there this year or next

ATL96STEELER

I agree…I like the pick more than CB. Gilbert and or Adams might be one contract Steelers if they don’t turn it on this year.

harding36

This all comes down to value, IMO. If you think (1) Lewan is a top 10 talent; and (2) Dennard and Gilbert are not worth the 15th pick, then you have to consider Lewan at 15. There’s a big drop-off after Lewan at OT. I know Beachum did an admirable job, and he seems like a great kid, but let’s not fool ourselves about his ability, which is average at best, especially in the run game. Imagine lining up on 3rd and 2 with an O-line of Lewan, Foster, Pouncey, DeCastro, and Gilbert, with Adams in the TE spot. That’s exciting stuff. The Steelers don’t pick in the top 15 very often, so this might be the last chance to get a franchise LT for a while.

Ike Evans

I watch tape bro….do you watch enough tape to be able to tell me how many times Taylor lewan is going to have to run 40 yards down the field to take advantage of that long speed? Because that’s what it is…his quickness measurables weren’t as impressive….weren’t bad but weren’t mind blowing….so go ahead Mr. Scout you tell me how many times u saw lewan run 40 yards down the field?….cuz I didn’t see many….20-25 yards maybe 30 on long runs that happens a hand full of times….go ahead tell me,..since u clearly watched the tape that you ASSUME I didnt…go ahead

j m

I agree completely about our O-line. Do the Steelers truly believe it’s a “strength” as currently constructed?
If Gilbert and Evans are gone, and either Lewan or Matthews (unlikely) is there, pull the trigger.

Paul Barracliffe

I like this. If they get him they could put Beachum on the right and wherever else they need a starter because of his position flexibility.

Derick L Young

scouts say he would fit a 43 defense best. we saw Hoods. don’t want a repeat.

Dewayne Braxton

A corner cannot keep Bell nor Ben from getting killed. Recall that Rooney stated that two things must happen; First Ben has to remain upright and take less hits. Second, the team must be able to run the ball. Bell and Ben currently do way to much on their own. Kelvin Beachum and Marcus Gilbert aint gonna get it done. Protecting the one guy you must have to win has to be our top priority.

Dewayne Braxton

The line needs to dominate the trenches and that aint gonna happen with Kelvin Beachum and Gilbert on the field. The last half of the schedule was weak, so they did better. However, the coaches watch the tape. They know Beachum cannot overpower most defensive lineman. Watch the tape and you’ll see that he shields them but does not move them. Gilbert is just bad. Adams remains a project currently playing at bust level. They need a tackle who can start.

Dewayne Braxton

Adams was soft at O-State. He never dominated games. Lewan is not Mike Adams. He would’ve been a first rounder last year.

Dewayne Braxton

Nick, I totally agree.

Ike Evans

I can link you scouting reports that say That he was tough and ppl had mike going in the first round until his failed drug test at the combine……hindsight is 20/20..

Dewayne Braxton

Ike, Lewan is much more physical than Evans is. Lewan is also physically stronger than Adams was when the Steelers drafted him. Lewan over Beachum anyday!

Ike Evans

Um OK…don’t see what that last comment has to do with anything….but he is stronger…but like I said mike had a reputation for being physical and being s mauler in the run game coming out of college…just like lewan…that’s my point so guys can say that shit all they want its the same stuff they said about mike,,,same stuff I saw on tape…I’d take Zack martin over lewan any day of the year

Zachary Smith

Let the Bengals can take him. We’re not stocking up for a creep shortage.

dgh57

Like I said earlier I’m not totally against drafting a OT #1 as it’s certainly a need. I also realize Munchak may be given time to work with the young guys we already have and we shouldn’t jump to conclusion on their abilities until he’s had that time. The offense turned things around in the 2nd half of the year by using the no huddle offense and Ben getting the ball out quicker so I see that carrying over into next year. Also the new ZBS may help the running game as Pouncey, DeCastro, and Bell are better suited for that scheme. Having said all that should we indeed draft Lewan #1 then that means Munchak has watched plenty of film to determine they are a hopeless cause.

The CB position has not been addressed in FA like Safety has and until it has I see it as their #1 target in the draft(that is if Gilbert or Dennard are still there). Taylor and Gay don’t exactly strike fear into the opponents offenses. Then when we play all these sub-package defenses a already razor thin CB position just got thinner. I see us doing a double dip at the CB position in this draft.

dave

Depends on who else is on the board – if Dennard, Justin Gilbert, Mike Evans are all gone, he makes sense….Definitely makes sense for the Steelers to do their “due diligence” on him prior to the draft. Also, just because fans would want to trade down in this scenario doesn’t make a trade partner magically appear.

Dewayne Braxton

We do need corners. Fortunately for us that position is deep. Much deeper than O line.

Dewayne Braxton

Thank you. I absolutely agree. I can’t understand how some of our fans fail to see that Ben and Bell need a stellar line.

Dewayne Braxton

Personally, I don’t like Beachum. Compare to the other left tackles in our division. Moreover, who would we put in the game if Bumbchum got hurt? Whoever you name validates the reason for drafting Lewan.

Dewayne Braxton

Nick you make a great point. Experience does not necessarily equate to talent. See Trai Essex, Jonathan Scott, Hold on Colon, Keamoteau, and Darnell Stapleton. Unfortunately the list could go on.

Dewayne Braxton

Or on the bench where he belongs.

Dewayne Braxton

Beachum and Gilbert lack NFL starter talent. That said, I would take my chances on a top ten caliber talent.

ATL96STEELER

Agree…nothing wrong with taking Lewan…but I would start Beech @ LT and then move Lewan over after he’s had about half a season at RT.

dgh57

Yeah right we’re just brimming with talent at CB with unproven prospects like I. Green. A. Blake, D. Smith, R. Ventrone. Follow that up with a over the hill I. Taylor and W. Gay another year older. Might as well say that C. Allen is the best we have.

Dewayne Braxton

I think open competition would determine the starter. It is very likely that a top ten talent would beat out an undersized guard playing tackle.
Sent from Samsung mobile

ATL96STEELER

I wouldn’t bet on that, but I do agree competition should determines who starts, except with a rookie LT…unless he’s the second coming of Joe Thomas, I don’t…not with a $100 mil QB behind him.

Dewayne Braxton

I do not understand. Why does a rookie have to be as good as Joe Thomas when the current tackles are below average? If the competition is even close, and it would be, the rookie gets the nod. Why start a guy with no potential to ever become dominant over a top ten talent who has that potential. Potential is the optimum word.

Dewayne Braxton

I do not have ESP but I get the sense that Ben is pushing the tackle over the receiver or corner. I also think fans like Beachum much more than the Steelers do. Anyone recall them signing Levi Brown to start? Wasn’t Beachum on the team? Hadn’t they already seen him start several games? Beachum played out of necessityand not because he’s talented.

Dewayne Braxton

He is a liability in the run game.

ATL96STEELER

#1 $100 mil QB deserves a LT with some experience @ the NFL level imo unless the player is a true stud. On a team like JAX, sure go ahead and start your high draft pick @ LT.

I don’t know about Ben pushing for a OT as I’ve heard the same thing about a WR. I’m a fan of Beachum but only as a backup as he can play all positions across the OL.

I could see a lineup of: Lewan, Foster, Pouncey, DeCastro, Adams. With backups being Beachum, Gilbert, Wallace. Embernasty may also work his way in there somewhere during the preseason.

The problem with all this is watch them take a OT in the 1st then they’ll be a run on CBs and no decent CB there in the 2nd rd. to where you can say the CB position is taken care of.

Nick Sabatella

In the power run game maybe, but I believe he could flourish in a zone scheme

Dewayne Braxton

I see your point but the good teams utilizing the zone blocking scheme have left tackles far superior to Beachum. All projections predict quality corners lasting until 2ND, 3rd ,or 4th round but I would stay one second.
Sent from Samsung mobile

Paul Barracliffe

You don’t follow the Steelers well I see

Dewayne Braxton

Paul, I am a true diehard Steeler Fan. I am 46 and been watching since 1976. Sure you’re loyal too but we just disagree on Beachum. I think a tackle needing tight end help needs to go. Ben and Bell deserve better.

Paul Barracliffe

Thanks Dewayne. Any Steelers fan has o be grateful for the way Beachum played– he gave up less sacks then anyone we’ve had at LT for a while. I think he can serve us better as a swing 6th lineman. He has the rare capability to play all 5 positions. I think that given our recent injury history he will stay on the field consistently and continue to elevate his game. He’s solid tackle;I bet he’d be a pro bowl guard. But, a franchise left tackle (like Leewan maybe?) could give us the best line in league. They really hit their stride in the 2nd half of the season. With Munchack they are f’n to really grow this year. I am actually very excited about our team so far.

Dewayne Braxton

I am grateful for Beachum. He was much better than Adams but his weaknesses are still apparent. Mainly, in my opinion, Beachum lacks the necessary strength to handle large tackles. I see him as a backup at best. Fans want to say the line really improved but we still ended up 28th in rushing, only had one 100 yard game rusher, and most of that was accomplished by using the no huddle and an extra tackle at tight end, and the end of the schedule was weak. Does this sound like improvement, really?

Paul Barracliffe

Well pass protection definitely improved in the 2nd half. Beachum is a highly valuable lineman for us. I think that Bell wasn’t good for more than that 1 hundred yard game and that he is over glorified so far. Look for us to improve with Blount and our growing line. I just think of all people on this team, Beachum is one of the last who needs to be shit on. He plays his heart out and makes all the difference. With that said, I think a mammoth left tackle would do us a lot of good. I really am intrigued by the possibility of Beachum playing a swing lineman role. I think I can see that taking place and us drafting a guy like Lewann. I’m hoping we pick up Donald as 5tech end, Cooks, or Dennard. Who to you think we will draft?

Dewayne Braxton

True pass protection did improve and Beachum definitely contributed to that. And his position flexibility is extremly valuable. We disagree about Bell. He pick up yards when there was nothing there. Recall his first TD in Minnesota-he should’ve been tackled for a loss. Bell ran over defenders ( see Cleveland, Cincinnati, Miami, Baltimore games) and made them miss. I think Bell is budding star. As for the draft, I would take Cooks. A corner will sit a year so might as well take one in the second. Cooks could start day one. His speed is needed to stretch the field and he also returns kicks. Wheaton did not play enough to gain a big advantage.

Paul Barracliffe

I think Cook’s would combine with AB to make the best receiver combos in the league. He really could be there at 15. I would like em to get a NT but I am wary of Nix for some reason. But yeah Cooks could start and Wheaton could be an x factor at 3 rather than a commodity at 2. Yeah Bell is good but he’ll better with an improved line and split carries. I also think a RB in the later rounds could be key.

Ellwood Davis

The Steelers MUST draft Lewan, if their background check on him turns out satisfactory. We have devalued the OT position, and have paid the price long enough. Most any other position you can find very good talent in the later rounds, but NFL grade LOT are usually only found in Rd 1. Let’s pay the price, and protect Ben.